Are exit fees immoral when switching tariffs with your existing supplier?

Smodlet

Hi.

Just called npower to ask if I could switch to a cheaper tariff (well, £19 a year) without paying exit fees of £20 for each fuel. I was told they would waive one fee, thereby costing me £20 to save £19!

I know they are written into the contract, they did not come as a surprise but what incentive is there to stay with a supplier who charges you to save money? Charging you for leaving them makes perfect sense but just to switch to another of their tariffs? Thumbs down! I believe some suppliers do not engage in this, imho, sharp practice but npower will not budge.

Also, MSE, any idea if there might be a new, collective switch in the offing? Any downward trend on prices in general which would make it worth waiting for a much better tariff which would save me appreciably more than £40?

System

https://www.theenergyshop.com/HomeEnergy/advice-articles-energy-bills-time-to-switch#.V3568Fcsf6s

lovinituk

Don't stay with them. Scottish Power don't charge to switch between their tariffs. I'm sure others are the same.

Npower are the worst utility company I have ever had to deal with and will never use them again.

Robin9

When does your contract run out ?

Smodlet

Hey, thanks for the replies, guys, and for the link, Hengus, my electricity and gas Yoda. You are, honestly. Loved the poem.

Contract ends 31.03.17, Robin.

The annoying thing is, at the moment npower are the cheapest! Can you believe it? I did a check via the Cheap Energy Club right before I called them. The only other thing I can think of to do, if it is not worth waiting for something better to come along, is switch via MSE and recoup £30 of the £40 the so-and-so's will charge me. I would then save all of £9 per year. Not really worth it, is it? I cannot really ask them to waive one fee and then switch via a third party as well.

Maybe someone will get up a petition to abolish exit fees for existing customers, some day. I do not have the energy, it's too expensive.